Jr Bridge To Get New Look

File this one under the tedious job category: James River Bridge paint scraper.

Over the next nine months, the 4 1/2-mile span is getting a new look.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and contractor Alpha Painting and Construction Co. Inc. are teaming up on a $6.7 million project to scrape and paint the bridge. That means periodic lane closures for the 29,000 vehicles that cross the bridge each day.

FOR THE RECORD - Published correction ran Thursday, April 13, 2006.An article in Wednesday's Local News section incorrectly said the James River Bridge will be painted green. It will be painted gray. The incorrect information came from the Virginia Department of Transportation. (Text deleted.)

The idea is to prevent bridge rust and deterioration. So the towers and lift spans will be stripped and repainted, said Lauren Hansen, a VDOT spokeswoman.

To accomplish this, a platform and netting will be set up across the bridge to remove the paint and keep it from falling into the water. That way fish aren't gulping harmful paint chips.

"We're trying to ensure that we maintain the environmental stability of the area out there," Hansen said.

On the northbound span, work will be performed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. One lane will be open Monday through Friday. On the southbound span, a lane closure may be needed for work that will occur between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Work may also be required at night between 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends.

"We understand that the length and frequency of these closures are going to be an inconvenience to everyone who travels the bridge," said Paul Moose Sr., a VDOT construction engineer. "We're doing our best to work around traffic and still ensure that the bridge will last well into the future."